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Visiting Orlando-area parks Walt Disney World and Universal Studios at different times of year will result in very different experiences. Some people want to attend when parks are at their emptiest, others want to go when the parks stay open very late and others want to do whatever they can to avoid the Florida heat. Depending on what suits your vacation desires, there are different times that could be considered the "worst" times to go to these parks.

If You Hate the Heat

The Florida theme parks can be a sweltering soup of sweaty bodies in summer, so even though your kids might be out of school and you're vacation-time ready, if you want to avoid the oppressive heat the worst time to go is from June to August. The average high temperature during these months is over 90 degrees, and the Florida humidity makes it feel even hotter. Though the parks have many indoor attractions, several ride lines and other events -- such as parades, fireworks shows and quick-service dining areas -- are outside, putting visitors at the mercy of the elements. The relatively dry and cool December, with highs reaching just into the low 70s, is preferable for those who wilt when it gets hot.

If You Hate the Crowds

One of the biggest complaints of Orlando park guests is waiting in long lines and having to fight hordes of people for food, character interaction, and buses and other services. Disney World and Universal are busiest during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, followed by the weeks before and after Easter Day, the week of the Fourth of July, spring break and Memorial Day weekend. These dates most often coincide with family vacation time from work and school, so it stands to reason that crowds swell. In addition, it is a bad idea to get to the parks in the late morning to early afternoon, when they are fullest. It's best to arrive as early as possible and even before the parks are scheduled to open for the day -- sometimes they open early.

If You Hate Short Hours

The downside to going when the parks are lightly filled is that the parks trim back their hours and put major attractions down for refurbishment and upkeep. If you hate the thought of your favorite ride being down or that you'll have to leave the parks before it's dark, avoid months of low attendance, such as January and September. These months come directly after big rushes and the parks take the time to do some much-needed maintenance and tidying up. The Magic Kingdom closes at 7 p.m. during some September nights.

If You Hate Large Group Gatherings

Different types of groups gather in Disney World and Universal at a particular time of year for a particular purpose, be it a niche social gathering or a particular park event. Examples of this include the Disney Night of Joy concert series, which draws large religious groups; the annual "gay day," which gathers the LGBT community; the annual national cheerleading competition, held on Disney property at the Wide World of Sports Complex; high school "grad nights"; and large South American tour groups in January and February. The groups associated with these events tend to move in mass numbers through the park and can overwhelm rides, restaurants and play areas. Visitors wishing to avoid these large groups should research the scheduled dates.

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About the Author

Mason Kaho has been writing for over 15 years, since he was an editor for his school newspaper and worked in his university's office of communications. He has a master's degree in public policy and has published many online items for science-based organizations.

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